May 17 cont...
Takashi San started telling me his plans for tomorrow and asked if I wanted to come too.
I knew he would but I didn’t know what my answer was going to be until he asked.
I explained to him that I try to live my life in peace and harmony and that I wasn’t comfortable being the reason his wife was jealous. Not only was she disrespecting Takashi San, she was also disrespecting me and I didn’t want to be part of it. I also told him that I have never come between a man and his wife.
Even though I liked Takashi San a lot, I could see the turmoil he was going through. His wife phoned him many times a day and I could tell by the tone in his voice that he was always placating her or defending himself.
It took him a while to get it. I had to use glasses to explain – Takashi San, Me, Wife etc.
He got it eventually and, even though he could see my point, I could tell he felt a little hurt and rejected.
I have a saying ‘When you do what’s right for you, you’re doing what’s right for those around you’. This felt right for me and I knew deep down it was right for Takashi San, so even though the bones in my ankles and feet felt bruised or something, I was happy to be going back to asphalt tomorrow.
We left the table and went back to our rooms. He asked if he could write a note that my friend Chiharu could translate. I said Of course. He seemed quite emotional when he wrote the note. When he had finished I said I would see him at breakfast.
I heard him ring his wife and the conversation sounded just like the night before. I knew I had made the right decision.
TEXTS…
EL to SMG: And I thought my latest (so called) dilemma was about me – not so! Wife of 60yr old man I’m traveling with is jealous which is forcing him to take a look at his life – a crossroad for him. Our last day together today. That’s what this Pilgrimage is all about – no one gets off lightly…
EL to GEC: Hey You! Had hectic day doing 9 temples in 6 hours by Taxi. It cost my friend $400NZD! Could do same tomorrow but want to walk as many of last temples as poss. Up to 74 tom. I seem to be huge novelty here & often get put in ‘special’ rooms. Everyone says ‘You so pretty!’ but I think that’s their polite way of saying Unusual!
No comments:
Post a Comment